Gravel sampling machine



April 9, 1968 E. E. MALONE GRAVEL SAMPLING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 20. 1965 INVENTOR. EUGENE E. MALONE United States Patent Ofiice 3,376,752 GRAVEL SAMPLING MACHINE Eugene E. Malone, 319 Filer Ave. W., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301 Filed Aug. 20, 1965, Ser. No. 481,288 Claims. (Cl. 73-423) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An apparatus for taking a sample of an aggregate from the discharge end of a conveyor belt. An open topped receptacle is reciprocally mounted on a frame so that it moves across and beyond the stream of falling aggregate and back again to obtain the sample. The frame is mounted on the conveyor belt support so that the Whole is movable as a unitary structure.

This invention relates to a machine for sampling solid materials and, more specifically, the invention pertains to the provision for sampling aggregates of gross compositions such as, for example, gravel, and the like.

It is a well-known fact that both Federal and State Governments have established certain specifications pertaining to the quality of gravel supplied to certain types of construction. These standards are relatively high and when the coarse composition of gravel is taken into consideration, it is most difiicult to employ known sampling means in order to obtain a fair average sample of any given quantity of gravel.

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of this invention to provide a gravel sampling machine which Will take samples of gravel discharged from a rock crusher in order to obtain a fair average sample of the gravel being discharged therefrom.

A further object of this invention is to provide a gravel sampling machine or device which is entirely automatic in operation.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a gravel sampling device to automatically remove a small quantity of the gravel from a run of the gravel over a conveyor or similar device, the gravel sampling device taking from the run a fair sampling of the fines, middlings and tailings of the gravel.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a gravel sampling machine or device which is mechanicallyoperated without the use of manual labor, thereby eliminating the possibility of personal injury to the operator taking the sample.

This invention contemplates, as a still further object thereof, the provision of a gravel sampling device which may be incorporated in any existing rock-crushing machine or built into newly manufactured rock crushers, the sampling device being non-complex in construction and assembly, inexpensive to manufacture and maintain, which is rugged and durable in use.

Other and further objects and advantages of the instant invention will become more evident from a consideration of'the following specification when read in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a gravel sampling device constructed in accordance with this invention and showing the same as being mounted on the discharge end of a conveyor system leading from the outlet end of a conventional rock-crushing machine;

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the sampling machine shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a detail cross-sectional view, partly in side elevation, FIGURE 3 being taken on the plane of line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

4 vehicle to be loaded for the 3,376,752 Patented Apr. 9, 1968 FIGURE 4 is an enlarged end elevational view, partly in cross-section, FIGURE 4 being taken substantially on the vertical plane of line 4-4 of FIGURE 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the sampling receptacle utilized in this machine; and

FIGURE 6 is a schematic wiring diagram showing the control circuits for operating the gravel sampling machine.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 designates, in general, a gravel sampling machine or device constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. As shown in FIGURES l and 3, the gravel sampling device 10 is adapted to be supported below and in spaced relationship relative to the discharge end of a conventional conveyor system 12 the loading end of the conveyor system 12 being disposed in such a position as to receive gravel from the outlet end of a conventional rock-crushing machine (not shown). The conveyor system 12 comprises the usual elongated boom 14 normally positioned in an elevated position, the boom having a pair of vertically-spaced longitudinallyextending top and bottom side frame members 16, 18 (only one pair being shown) at the opposed sides thereof and between which transversely-extend a plurality of conveyor belt-supporting rollers 20 suitably journaled for rotation in standards 22, all in the known manner. Bearing blocks 24 at the discharge end of the conveyor system 12 journal the opposed ends of a transversely-extending shaft 26 on which is mounted the usual idler roller 28. Trained about the rollers 20, 28 is an endless conveyor belt 30 on which is carried gravel 32, a sample of which it is desired to obtain. The discharge end of the conveyor system 12 is normally positioned over a truck or other transport of the gravel assuming, of course, that the test sample of the gravel meets the required specification as to the composition thereof.

Fixedly-secured to the bottom side frame members 18 are a plurality of elongated substantially flat rectangular hanger straps 34 formed of any suitable rigid material with the straps on one side of the boom 14 being disposed in laterally-spaced, parallel and confronting relation relative to the straps on the other side thereof.

Reference numeral 36 denotes an open elongated normally horizontal rectangular frame of the sampling machine or device 10. The frame 36 is seen to comprise a pair of longitudinally-extending substantially parallel laterally-spaced side frame members 38, 40 having upright bights 42, 44, respectively, from which laterallyproject vertically-spaced and substantially parallel outwardly-extending pairs of flanges 46, 48 and 50, 52. The frame 36 also includes a plurality of transversely-extending, parallel cross-frame members 54 longitudinallyspaced relative to the side frame members 38, 40 and to which the opposed ends of the cross-frame members are rigidly secured. The cross-frame members 54 are also U-shaped in transverse cross-section and each includes a bight 56 from the opposed ends of which laterally-project the pairs of flanges 60, 62 vertically-spaced from one another with the flanges 60 of one cross-frame member 54 being coplanar with corresponding flanges of the others of the cross-frame members.

Fixedly-se cured to the upper sides of the cross-frame members 54 (by means not shown) and extending parallel and proximate to the side frame members 38, 40 are a pair of elongated, substantially L-s-haped conveyor chain guide and support members 64. As is seen in FIG- URE 4, each L-shaped member 64 includes an upstanding leg 66 and a laterally-projecting foot 68 and, as in this figure, the L-shaped members 64 open toward one another. Through reference to FIGURES 1, 3 and 4, it is seen that the side frame members 38, 40 are fixedlysecured to the lower ends of the hanger straps 34 at 69 (representing conventional means) in such a manner that the inner and outer ends of the frame 36 extend on opposite sides of the discharge end of the conveyor system 12 and in substantially parallel relation relative to the boom 14.

The bights 42, 44 adjacent the inner ends of the side frame members 38, 40 rotatably-support the opposed ends of a first cross-shaft 70 on which is fixedly-connected for rotation therewith the pair of drive sprocket wheels 72, 74, the sprocket wheel 72 being disposed adjacent the inner side of the bight 42 and the sprocket wheel 74 being positioned proximate the inner side of the bight 44. A second cross-shaft 76 has its opposed ends also rotatablysupported on the bights 42, 44 adjacent the outer ends of the side frame members 38, 40 and has a pair of driven sprocket wheels 78, 80 fixedly-secured thereon for rotation therewith. The sprocket wheel 78 is positioned adjacent the inner side of the bight 42 and is aligned with the sprocket wheel 72, and the sprocket wheel 80 is mounted proximate the inner side of the bight 44 and is aligned with the sprocket wheel 74. An endless link chain 82 is trained about the pair of aligned sprocket wheels 72, 78 and a second endless conveyor link chain 84 is trained about the aligned sprocket wheels 74, 80. As is seen in FIGURE 4, the upper lays of the conveyor chains 82, 84 are supported, respectively, and are guided in the L-shaped members 64.

Mounted on the conveyor chains 82, 84 and extending transversely therebetween is a gravel sampling receptacle generally indicated by reference numeral 86. The gravel sampling receptacle 86 has an elongated frusto-pyramidal configuration having an open top 88 lying substantially in the plane of the frustum (see FIGURE The receptacle 86 includes the opposed longitudinally-extending sidewalls 90, 92 and the opposed end walls 94, 96 from which laterally-extend connecting lugs 98 each being apertured at 100 for connection in the chains 82, 84. The side and end walls rise from a common substantially rectangular base wall 102. A substantially rectangular switch-operating block 103 is also fixedly-secured on the chain 84 (see FIGURE 2) and is disposed adjacent to, but spaced from the receptacle 86. The function of the block 103 will be described in detail infra.

The gravel sampling receptacle 86, when connected (by conventional means) with the chains 82, 84 is adapted to reciprocate longitudinally of the frame 36 in a cycle which includes the moving of the receptacle 86 from its unloading position shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, adjacent the inner end of the frame 36 and proximate the cross-shaft 70 toward the other or outer end of the frame 36 (adjacent to, but spaced inwardly from the axis of the cross-shaft 76), and the return of the receptacle 86 to its above-described gravel-unloading position. In so reciprocating, the receptacle 86 makes a minimum of two passes transversely across the flow of gravel 32 as it is discharged from the conveyor system during any given one complete cycle of the movement of the receptacle 86. As will become apparent from the description which follows, the sampling runs may be made without the involvement of manual effort on the part of the operator with the exception of operating a pair of electrical control circuits to initiate and terminate the sampling runs. The cycling operation may be continued through repeated runs or, if desired, the control circuits may be so wired that after one complete cycle of operation, the control circuits may be de-energized. In the instant case, the schematic wiring diagram shown in FIG- URE 6 includes wiring circuits wherein the gravel samples may be taken continuously if the operator so desires, or these circuits may be interrupted at any point at the will of the operator.

Accordingly, to drive the receptacle 86 throughout its complete cycling operation, a support bracket 106 is rigidly-secured to the side frame member 38 and to ad- Cir jacent portion of the leg 66 of the angle iron 64 adjacent to, but spaced inwardly from the shaft 70. The bracket 106 includes a normally horizontal motor-mounting plate 188 on which is fixedly-secured the base 110 of a threephase reversible electric motor 112 having a drive shaft 114 on which is fixedly-secured a drive sprocket 1 16. The drive sprocket 116 is aligned with a driven sprocket 11'8 fixedly-secured on the cross-shaft 70 on that end thereof adjacent the side frame member 38. An endless drive chain 120 is trained about the sprockets 116, 118 in driving relation therewith. Mounted on the flange 46 of the side frame member 38 adjacent the opposed ends thereof are a pair of conventional limit switches LS. #l and L8. #2. The limit switch L5. #1 (see FIGURE 6) is normally closed and the limit switch L.S. #2 is normally open. Each of the limit switches L8. 1 and L5. #2 is provided with a toggle arm 122, 1 24, respectively, and as is seen in FIGURE 2, one of the ends of each of the toggle arms 122, 124 is pivot-ally-connected at 126, 128 to one of the ends, respectively, of an elongated switch-operating lever 1-30. The toggle arms 122, 124 are pivotally-supported on their respective associated limit switches LS. #1, L5. #2, and their respective other ends 134, 136 normally extend transversely across the chain 84 in the path of movement of the rectangular switch-operating block 103.

Reference numeral 137 designates a switch box support bracket similar to the bracket 106, the bracket 137 being fixedly-secured to the side frame member 40 by conventional means (not shown), and on which is rigidlysecured an elongated normally horizontal switch box mounting plate 138 for a verticallyelongated substantially hollow rectangular switch box 139 of conventional construction.

The switch box 139 is adapted to receive and house circuit-reversing switches for reversing the direction of rotation of the motor shaft 114 together with their respective control solenoids. These switches, solenoids and the circuits controlled thereby are shown in FIGURE 6 of the drawings wherein it is seen that the motor 112 is normally energized through the main lines L L L The lines L L L to the motor 112 are interrupted by the normally open switches F F F all operated by the energization and de-energization of the solenoid F. The lines L L also include in series therewith the overtoad switch solenoid coils 0L 0L respectively. The overload switches 0L OL are, of course, normally closed.

The energizing circuit for the solenoid F comprises the wire 140 having one of its ends connected with one end of the wire 142, the wire 140 being interrupted intermediate the ends thereof by a manually-operable switch 144 which is normally open. The function of the switch 144 will be described in greater detail below.

As is seen in FIGURE 6, the other end of the wire 142 connects with one side of the solenoid F, and the other side of the solenoid F is connected by the wire 146 to one side of the normally closed limit switch LS. #1. One end of a wire 148 connects the other side of the limit switch L8. #1 with one side of a conventional motorstarting switch 149, the switch 149 being manually-operable in the usual manner. The other side of the switch 149 connects through the wire 150 with one end of a wire 152 in which are connected, in series, the normally closed overload switches OL OL and the other end of the wire 152 is connected with the line L Wires 154, 156 connect the opposite sides of a motor circuit holding switch F A to opposite sides of the motor-starting switch 149. Thus, and with reference to FIGURES 2, 3 and 6, when the frusto-conical pyramidal gravel sampling receptacle 86 has reached its shown discharge position, the chains 82, 84 have moved in a corresponding direction, and in so moving, the rectangular switch-operating block 103 has engaged against the end 134 of the toggle arm 122 moving the limit switch L5. #1 to its closed position shown in FIGURE 6. Movement of the toggle arm 122 causes the limit switch L.S. #2 to move to its open position since the connecting lever 130 has followed the movement of the toggle arm 122. It should now be apparent that the energization of the solenoid F will cause the normally open switches F F and F to pick up or close, thereby causing the motor 112 to be energized through the lines L L and L The energization of the motor 112 initiated by this motor control circuit causes the shaft 114 to rotate in one direction. To reverse the direction of the rotation of the shaft 114, a second circuit is employed and the second circuit is seen to comprise the following elements.

Again referring to FIGURE 6 of the drawings, it is seen that one end of a wire 158 connects with the wire 140 at 160 between the aforementioned one side of the solenoid F and the manually-operable switch 144. The other end of the wire 158 connects to one side of a solenoid R, the other side of the solenoid R being connected through wire 162 with one side of the limit switch LS. #2. It will be recalled that this limit switch is normally open. The other side of the limit switch L8. #2 is connected by wire 164 to one side of the normally open switch F The switch F closes and opens, alternately, as the solenoid F is energized and de-energized. The other end of the wire 166 connects with one end of a wire 168 as at 170. The other end of the wire 168 is connected at 172 in the wire 150 between the aforementioned other side of the motor-operating switch 149 and the overload switches OL 1 Reference characters R R and R all designate switches under the direct control of the solenoid R. These switches are in their normally open position and, as is seen in FIGURE 6, the line L connects with one side of the switch R through a wire 173, the other side of the switch R being connected to the line L through the wire 176. In a like manner, a wire 178 connects the line L to one side of the switch R and the wire 180 connects the other side of this switch with the line L In similar manner, one end of the wire 182 connects the line L, to one side of the switch R and the wire 184 connects the other side of the switch with the line L As is seen in FIGURE 6, the wires 176, 180, 184 all connected their associated switches R R and R with the dead sides of the lines L L and L when the switches F F and F are in their normally open positions.

From the foregoing description it is now obvious that with the overload switches OL closed and with the manually-operated switch 144 closed and upon the closing of the switches R and LS. #2, the solenoid R is energized to close the switches R R and R thereby connecting the lines L L and L to the motor 112 to energize it in such a manner as to effect the reverse rotation of the drive shaft 114. The switch F under these circumstances, has been dropped out or opened since the solenoid F is not energized concurrently with the solenoid R.

Having described the component elements of the present invention in detail, and their relationship with respect to one another, it is believed that the operation of the gravel sampling machine or device 10 is self-evident. However, and in the interest of clarity, a brief summary of the operation of the machine or device 10 is set forth below.

Assuming that the component elements of this invention are in their respective positions shown in full lines in the several figures of the drawings, and assuming fur- 'ther that gravel 32 is being fed to the inlet end of the convoyer belt 30 for discharge into a transporting vehicle or on'a gravel pile, and still further assuming that the gravel sampling device or machine 10 is connected to the framework of the conveyor system 12 in the manner described, the gravel 32 will normally fall between the side frame members 38, 40 of the frame 36 of the sampling mechanism or device 10. The flow of gravel 32 is unimpeded until such time as it becomes necessary to obtain a sample thereof in order to ascertain if the gravel being discharged meets'with the required specifications. i

To this end, and assuming that the lines L L and L are energized, the operator closes the switch 144 and momentarily closes the switch 149 which, being of conventional construction, normally moves to its open position as soon as released. This instantaneously causes the energization of the solenoid F which picks up or closes the switches F F F and F the motor 112 is now energized and, assuming it is energized to cause the motor drive shaft 114 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, reference being had to FIGURE 3 of the drawings, the conveyor link chains 82, 84 will be driven in the same direction causing the receptacle 86 to move its discharge position shown in FIGURES l, 2 and 3, at the inner end of the frame 36 toward the outer end thereof at a point adjacent the cross-shaft 76. The chain 84 in so being driven will cause the block 103 to engage the toggle arm 124 of the switch L8. #2 causing the toggle arm 124 to pivot thereby shifting the lever 130 to the left, as viewed in FIGURE 2. It should here he noted that as soon as the switch 149 has been closed and the solenoid F energized, the holding switch F closes to maintain the series circuit through the solenoid F.

As soon as the switch L5. #1 opens and the switch L.S. #2 closes, the solenoid F becomes de-energized and opens the switches F F and F de-energizing the motor 112. However, the position of the switch L5. #1 and L8. #2 relative to each other and the throw of their respective toggle arms 122, 124 when engaged by the block 103 is such that the solenoid R becomes energized substantially simultaneously with the de-energization of the solenoid F. As a consequence of this arrangement and disposition of the switches L8. #1 and LS. #2, the receptacle 86 will not override the outer end of the frame 36.

The receptacle 86 in traveling from its innermost position to its outermost position relative to the frame 36 passes transversely through the stream of gravel 32 dwelling thereunder only such time as is necessary to partially fill the receptacle 86 and to cause the block 103 to engage and pivot the other end 136 of the arm 124. Thus, when the positions of the switches L.S. #1 and L8. #2 reverse themselves from those shown in FIGURE 6, the circuits to the motor 112 are now energized to cause the return of the receptacle 86 to its innermost or discharge position relative to the frame 36.

Attention is here directed to the fact that the switch P is closed as long as the solenoid F remains energized. Thus, upon the closing of the switch LS. #2 the solenoid R is energized to close the holding switch R The solenoid F being de-energized when the switch LS. 1 is moved to its open position drops out or opens the switch F but since the switch R is closed, the solenoid R remains energized to hold the switches R R and R in their respective close positions, thereby completing the circuits from the lines L L and L to the motor 112 to effect rotation of the shaft 114 in the reverse direction, whereby the chain is driven in a clockwise direction (reference being made to FIGURE 3) causing the same to effect a second pass of the receptacle 86 through the discharged gravel 32 as the receptacle 86 moves to its discharge position adjacent the inner end of the frame 36. The chains 82, 84 are, of course, now driven in the reverse direction to eventually cause the block 103 to strike against the other end of the toggle arm 122, thereby shifting the lever to the right as viewed in FIGURE 2, whereby the switches LS. #1 and L8. #2 are restored to their normally closed and open positions, respectively, thereby de-energizing the solenoid R and energizing the solenoid F. The positions of the switches employed in the control circuits are now re-established as described.

The receptacle 86 will, it is seen, make two passes through the discharge gravel 32 during each complete cycle of the operation of the gravel sampling machine or device 10. The sampled gravel is discharged at the end of each complete cycle, and the cycling operation will continue to repeat itself in the manner described above as long as the solenoids F and R are alternately energized and de-energized. As a general rule, however, only a limited amount of sample gravel need be taken and a sufficient amount is usually gathered in the receptacle 86 during one complete cycle of operation of the machine or device 10. To limit the number of passes to be made by the receptacle 86 the control switch 144 is provided. This switch, it will be recalled, was the first of the described switches to be closed. It will be recognized upon inspection of the wiring diagram of FIGURE 6 that the operator of the machine or device It) may manually open the switch 144, thereby opening the circuits to both of the solenoids F, R. The switch 144 is, of course, preferably opened when the receptacle 86 has reached its inner or discharge position. The operator immediately closes the switch 144 after the same has once been opened in order to condition the circuits controlled by the solenoid F, R for their respective alternate energization and deenergization as described supra.

The gravel sample taken in the receptacle 86 is discharged into the open upper end 186 of an inverted pyramidal discharge chute 188, the lower end of the chute 188 being open as at 190. The back Wall 192 of the chute 188 is substantially higher than the front wall 194 in order to prevent the accidental throw of gravel from the receptacle 86 under centrifugal force beyond the open upper end 186. The open lower end 190 of the chute 188 is fixedly-connected to the open upper end of an elongated normally upright conduit 196, the open lower end of which is positioned above a gravel-receiving bucket or other type of vessel easily carried to the site where the analysis of the gravel sample taken is to be made. The opposed sidewalls 198, 208 are rigidly-connected to the lower ends of a pair of braces 202 (only one being shown) and the upper ends of the braces 202 are rigidly-secured to the undersides of the flanges 48, 52 adjacent the outer ends of the side frame members 38, 40.

Having described and illustrated one embodiment of this invention in detail, it will be understood that the same is offered merely by way of example, and that this invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a conveyor system for transferring solid aggregates from a conveyor loading station to a conveyor discharge station and means for taking a sample of said aggregate as it leaves said discharge station to flow downwardly under the force of gravity, said sampling device comprising an open elongated substantially rectangular frame having a pair of opposed ends, said frame being disposed below said discharge station and extending across the aggregate flow on opposite sides thereof, a substantially hollow receptacle having an open top, means for reciprocating said receptacle alOng said frame transversely through and beyond opposite sides of said aggregate flow while retaining the receptacle open top facing in the same direction to take a sample from said aggregate flow, and said reciprocating means including means to invert said receptacle to discharge said sample therefrom after passing back and forth through the aggregate flow.

2. In combination, a conveyor system for transferring solid aggregates from a conveyor loading station to a conveyor discharge station and means for taking a sample of said aggregate as it leaves said discharge station to flow downwardly under the force of gravity, said sampling device comprising an open elongated substantially rectangular frame having inner and outer ends, said frame being disposed below said discharge station and having its outer end extending across the flow of aggregate as it leaves said discharge station and on opposite sides thereOf, a receptacle having an open top, means for reciprocating said receptacle along said frame from said inner end of said frame across the path of flow of said aggregate to the outer end of said frame and back to the inner end of said frame while retaining the open top of the receptacle facing in the same direction to receive a sample of said aggregate, and said reciprocating means including means to invert said receptacle when said receptacle returns to said inner end of said frame thereby discharging said sample from said receptacle.

3. The combination as recited in claim 2, and means on said frame controlling said reciprocable means to reverse said receptacle as said receptacle reaches said outer end of the frame and to halt said receptacle as it reaches the inner end of the frame.

4. In combination, a conveyor system for transferring a solid aggregate from a loading station to a discharge station, said system including an elongated elevated boom having an endless belt mounted thereon to receive said aggregate at said loading station for transfer to said discharge station, and an aggregate sampling machine for taking a sample of the aggregate flow as the same leaves said discharge station to fall under the force of gravity, said machine comprising an elongated open substantially rectangular frame having oppositively-disposed inner and outer ends, said frame extending substantially parallel to said boom, means rigidly-connecting said boom with said frame and suspending the latter from the former in vertically-spaced relation relative thereto, said outer end of said frame projecting on opposite sides of said conveyor discharge station and traversing said aggregate fiow, said frame including a pair of elongated laterally-spaced and substantially parallel side frame members, a substantailly hollow receptacle extending transversely of said frame between said side frame members and having an open top, said receptacle normally being positioned adjacent said inner end of said frame, means for reciprocating said receptacle along said frame from its said inner end, across the path of aggregate flow, to its said outer end and back to the inner end while retaining the open top of the receptacle facing in the same direction to receive a sample of said aggregate as said receptacle traverses said aggregate flow, means on said frame controlling said reciprocable means and limiting the movement of said receptacle in one direction and the other, and said reciprocating means including means inverting said receptacle at said inner end of said frame to discharge said sample from said receptacle.

5. In combination, a conveyor system for transferring a solid aggregate from a loading station to a discharge station, said system including an elongated elevated boom having an endless belt mounted thereon to receive said aggregate at said loading station for transfer to said discharge station, and an aggregate sampling machine for taking a sample of the aggregate fiow as the same leaves said discharge station to fall under the force of gravity, said machine comprising an elongated open substantially rectangular frame having oppositely-disposed inner and outer ends, said frame extending substantially parallel to said boom, means rigidly-connecting said boom with said frame and suspending the latter from the former in vertically-spaced relation relative thereto, said outer end of said frame projecting on opposite sides of said conveyor discharge station and traversing said aggregate fiow, said frame including a pair of elongated laterally-spaced and substantially parallel side frame members, a substantially hollow receptacle extending transversely of said frame between its said side frame members and having an open top and opposed end walls, said receptacle normally being positioned adjacent said inner end of said frame and having one of its said end walls adjacent, respectively, one of said side frame members, an endless chain mounted, respectively, on each of said side frame members and extending longitudinally thereof, means connecting said end walls with an adjacent one of said chains, drive means connected with said chains, means controlling said drive means to effect simultaneous reciprocable movement of said chains and consequently of said receptacle whereby said receptacle is moved from its said inner end of said frame across the path of aggregate flow as it leaves said discharge station and nears said outer end of said frame, and vice versa, said receptacle taking samples of said aggregate as it reciprocates through said flow, and said receptacle being inverted at said inner end of said frame to discharge said samples therefrom.

'6. In the combination recited in claim 5, wherein said drive means includes an electric motor, and said control means includes a pair of motor reversing circuits and a' limit switch for each of said circuits, said limit switches being mounted on one of said side frame members adjacent, respectively, an end thereof and being disposed in the path of movement of said receptacle, said limit switches being simultaneously operable to energize and de-energize one and the other of said circuits, respectively, as said receptacle engages said limit switches alternately.

7. In the combination recited in claim 6, and chute means connected on said side frame members adjacent said inner end of said frame and being suspended therefrom in vertically-shaped relation relative thereto, said chute means receiving therein said inverted receptacle and said sample discharged therefrom to convey said sample to a receiving station.

8. In the combination recited in claim 7, and means on said frame to guide and support said chains intermediate said inner and outer ends of said frame.

9. In the combination recited in claim 8, and a shaft for each end of said frame, means journaling the opposed ends of said shaft for rotation on the adjacent ends of said side frame members, a sprocket for each end of each of said shafts with the sprockets on one of said shafts being aligned with the sprockets on the other of said shafts,

each of said chains, respectively, being trained about a pair of aligned sprockets, a third sprocket mounted on one of said shafts adjacent one of said frame side members, means mounting said electric motor on said side frame member, said motor having a drive shaft, a sprocket mounted on said drive shaft for rotation therewith and being aligned with said third sprocket, and a third chain trained about said drive shaft sprocket and said third sprocket.

10. Apparatus for taking a sample of an aggregate from a freely flowing path of travel thereof, comprising a frame, a receptacle movably supported on said frame to cross the aggregate travel path, said receptacle having an open end facing said aggregate travel path, means for moving said receptacle across and beyond the aggregate path of travel and then for reversing and again moving said receptacle across and beyond the aggregate travel path in the opposite direction while retaining the open end of the receptacle facing in the same direction, and means for inverting said receptacle at a point on said frame remotely-disposed with respect to said aggregate travel path to discharge the aggregate sample from said receptacle after the receptacle has passed through the aggregate path twice.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 946,744 1/1910 Van Mater 73-421 3,302,769 2/1967 PlatZer et al. 73-423 3,005,346 10/1961 Pearman 73-421 LOUIS R. PRINCE, Primary Examiner. S. C. SWISHER, Assistant Examiner. 

